Rohit Gijare - If You Are Able to Get Access to Format Training, It Will Help in Learning Dance the Right Way (Dancer & Choreographer, India)

@rohitgijare

Instagram - @ten13mgmt

Website - @ten13mgmt.com

1. Tell us more about your background and journey. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue dancing and how did you start?

I was born in Nasik, India, and lived in Pune until I was 8 years old. My parents got me involved in the school dance functions at an early age but I was too young at that time to know how much it would change my life. We moved to the United States in 1998 and my parents kept me involved in dance because it was something I liked to do. 

It was about a year or two after we moved that they and others around them began to realize that I had some innate, raw talent. At the age of 11, during a time when this was unheard of, my parents asked me if I would like to pursue this as a career. This simple question changed my entire trajectory. 

From then on, I began training in Kathak and other dance forms. In high school, I began learning more western dance styles such as Hip Hop and expanded that even further in college. I started learning and training at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. 

I took on my first dance job as a Choreographer, Dancer & Teacher for a dance company got the opportunity to be a Lead Choreographer for a globally touring Bollywood show. I kept working and learning and in 2015 I competed in Dance India Dance - USA Edition in Mumbai and placed Runner-Up. 

From there some of my notable credentials include Director of Choreography for Bollywood BLVD - A Globally Touring Musical, So You Think You Can Dance as an Assistant Choreographer, choreographed and danced in Vidya Vox's "Ambarsariya," performed in IIFA with the Shiamak Davar Company, performed with Terence Lewis at Diwali In TimesSqaure & more.

2. Who is your favourite dancer and why?

Prabhu Deva is my all-time favourite dancer. I would watch him on TV as a kid and try to mimic his every move. He is an otherworldly talent and I respect his work and the shine he has provided for dancers around the world.

3. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a dancer?

As a dancer or choreographer, your work opportunities have a wide range. You can perform/choreography for Live, Theatrical Shows, Music Concerts, Music Videos, or Movies. You can also perform at Private Events, Teach your own classes, or for local dance companies.

4. Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?

Format training is not required as I've seen tons of dancers who have put in the work and train themselves from just watching videos or just purely dancing with other dancers. Format training does help though! If you are able to get access to it, it will only help in learning dance the RIGHT way. 

5. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?

Never give up! This career path can be a rollercoaster and there will be many times you'll find yourself questioning yourself. Keep learning, keep training, give it your heart and soul and most importantly trust yourself. 

7. Which is your favourite book and why?

I don't read books as often nowadays but one book that has resonated with me is "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts. It covers the unexpected journey of a non-Indian man, weaving his way through India, and the trials and tribulations which he goes through are just incredible. And the light he finds at the end of the tunnel and the way he reaches there was very amazing to read about.

- Interviewed by - Soumya Bhayana